Balboa presents an authentic Italian culinary journey, specializing in classic pizza and pasta dishes crafted with time-honored techniques. Patrons can anticipate a diverse selection of traditional antipasti, expertly prepared pasta entrees, and signature pizzas fired to perfection. The ambiance provides a comfortable setting for enjoying hearty, flavorful Italian cuisine. Each dish reflects a commitment to fresh ingredients and robust, satisfying flavors, making it a go-to destination for Italian food enthusiasts seeking genuine taste and quality.
Balboa is widely celebrated for its exceptional, high-quality wood-fired pizzas, featuring a standout sourdough crust and fresh, flavorful ingredients that many diners consider among the best in Old Montreal. The restaurant is consistently praised for its warm, stylish, and inviting atmosphere, which makes it a popular destination for both intimate dates and group gatherings. While service can occasionally feel overwhelmed during peak hours, most guests highlight the staff as incredibly attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable, often noting that the friendly team members go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Despite some observations regarding pricing and wait times, the overall consensus points to a vibrant, delicious, and must-visit spot that consistently delivers quality food in a beautifully designed setting.
We stopped at Balboa for an evening meal after a day of sightseeing in Montreal. The name immediately caught my attention-being a huge Rocky fan, I was hoping for a little'Yo, Adrian!' kind of experience. Unfortunately, the reality was nowhere near the movie. 😂
We ordered a Margarita pizza, another white pizza, a local Quebec beer, & a drink for my wife. The food itself was hot, fresh, high-quality, & genuinely tasty. Unfortunately, the service & atmosphere made the experience much less enjoyable.
It honestly looked like half the staff had called out. One waitress was running around trying to keep up with every table, a young gentleman was simultaneously mixing drinks, & another employee was doing her best to manage seating. The whole place felt extremely hectic, loud, & overcrowded. My wife's drink was also forgotten, & our food took roughly 20-30 minutes to arrive.
I completely understand that restaurants get slammed, & I wouldn't mind the chaos as much at a casual fast-food spot. But when you're spending $100+ on what is essentially two 12-inch pizzas & drinks, expectations naturally go up. At that price point, I expect the experience to be part of the meal-not something I have to fight through.
The food deserves credit because it was really good. Unfortunately, the service & chaotic atmosphere overshadowed it for us.
My girlfriend & I came in, & Zoya served us. She was phenomenal. I am not one to leave reviews, but this was necessary. We were so tired from travel & had such decision fatigue, that Zoya's guidance on the menu & drinks was unreal. She fully walked us through the options for the drinks we ordered, even offering nuanced suggestions where we had specific preferences. She was super attentive, & super charming - even while having a seemingly very large section (which I would also believe she was just supporting tables that weren't hers). We only just stumbled upon this place, but will definitely come back.
Vyctor &Chino we're helping us today & they made it a memorable experience for my wife's birthday. Chino recommended a drink that I've never had & I loved it & for my wife's birthday they brought out a tiramisu. They were very friendly & funny. We had a great time. Our first trip to Montreal & our first stop in old town.
Cuisine tres bonne, autant les pates que les pizzas ou les drinks tres bon. Les employés sont très gentil & agréable le service clientele est un des meilleurs restaurant ou j'ai ete je reccomande beaucoup. Ambiance : bonne musique pas trop forte éclairage agréable banquette tres confortable espace entre les tables.
Since we were openly asked why we didn't tip & were given a look of being an outsider, i wanted to mention why we didnt tip (openly). The moment we were sat down to the moment we got our food was almost an hour in between, server had the audacity to comment on my boyfriend which threw me off a little, but i thought new place that is how they become friendly with the guests. NOT ONCE the server came to ask how our food was or if we were ok with it, NOT ONCE we were asked for another drink (we ordered another one once he came to deliver the food), & then came the cheque part. He was upset we didnt tip & made another comment on how we look - an OUTSIDER in montreal, & not tipping means the service wasnt good. Well so what are we tipping for? For all the comment we got & 0 amount of service??! (& to our server) since you were so openly mad about tipping 0 maybe try to actually serve next time so that i can happily tip!
Stopped in for an afternoon cocktail & to share a pizza with my husband. We had the prosciutto pizza & it was excellent. We also had a cocktail with mezcal & it was a well crafted drink, although the price ($22) was a bit high in my opinion. Would definitely good back.
We came here as a group of 4 & we had an amazing experience! Louka took good care of us all night long, very professional & effective! Food & drink were great! Thanks for this experience!
Had an amazing experience with CHINO, LOULOU, MATEI they were absolutely amazing & made our last night in Montreal special::the drinks, the laughs & the service. great way to end our weekend!!! Highly recommend the cocktails & pizza!!
